Author Archives: diealoguecafe

Talking about death was once normal, then it became un-normal – taboo – with the advent of what is now a death denying society. But the pushback is gaining momentum. In: Tassie Death Cafe helps visitors come to terms with … Continue reading →

A lot a attention is given to grief as if it deserves more consideration than other aspects of life. But does it and should it? In: A Beginner’s Guide to Grief: joy and sadness belong together in this new Australian … Continue reading →

Not embalmed, body bathed by his son and dressed in a favourite outfit. Coffin made of simple cardboard and not lined with plastic. It had rope handles — all materials that were biodegradable. The funeral procession followed the hearse on … Continue reading →

A recent story in a daily newspaper reported that the adult parents in a family of four had determined not to write up their wills, saying: “Making a will makes us feel very old.” Haven’t got around to it is … Continue reading →

ABC television broadcasts across the country with many programs of immense community interest. One of these is Australian Story. In a program broadcast under the title: A community undertaking (ABC TV, June 20, 2022) it highlighted that choice is lacking … Continue reading →

If the content of this story by Matt Wade is any indicator of a broader attitude to stick with the status quo and not search out alternatives, then it’s little wonder that the mainstream funeral industry has most Australians convinced … Continue reading →

Things are never as simple as they seem writes Waleed Aly: Inequality in death reigns as it does in life (SMH July 25, 2014). While this story is now 8 years old, the content, nevertheless, rings true. Write Aly: “I … Continue reading →

“As the historic grounds host fewer funerals and some graves fall into decay, the Melbourne General Cemetery is reinventing itself a a tourist spot and picnic park,’ writes Robyn Dixon in Graveyard rises from the dead (Newcastle Herald, Weekender, February … Continue reading →

When the topic turns to where to go when we die, the answers can range from terror of dying to an opportunity for dealing with the corpse in a similar fashion to animals in nature, which includes leave me under … Continue reading →

Social media is encroaching on more and more of our daily lives – but only because we allow it to.  Whether it be by conscious decision or by default because we choose to pay no attention, the pushers of social … Continue reading →